Shared Flashcard Set

Details

2013 Envirothon
Canada Geese
17
Environmental Studies
6th Grade
02/19/2013

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Cards

Term
What is the proper name: Canada goose, or Canadian goose?
Definition
Canada goose
Term
What makes them easy to identify?
Definition
long graceful necks with bold black and white marks
Term
What formation do they make when flying?
Definition
large V
Term
What is the benefit to moving on large flocks?
Definition
more eyes and ears to hear predators and look for food; appears larger to predator and they are then less likely to attack
Term
Why is flying in V formation a benefit?
Definition
~conserves energy by reducing the drag force if each bird flew alone
~lead bird gets more tired, facing the undisturbed air, and drops back to rest
~allows geese to communicate better and have more eye contact
Term
Describe a Canada goose
Definition
~large and plump, weighing 13 pounds
~short legs, allowing them to easily walk on land for food far from water
~broad round bill
~webbed feet
Term
What is a lamellae?
Definition
teeth used for cutting around the outside of the broad, round-tipped bill
Term
Compare male and female
Definition
male goose is a gander
male is about 36" in length
female a little smaller and lighter, but they look the same
Term
Where do they nest?
Definition
variety of habitats, but are fond of islands in rivers and lakes with an open view; on top of old osprey or heron nests, or muskrat dens, or man-made nesting sites, or grassy areas near water
Term
Describe the nest
Definition
female builds it
ground depression nest lined with sticks, cattails, reeds, grasses or down feathers plucked from her breast
Term
Describe eggs
Definition
four to ten creamy white eggs are incubated for nearly a month with the male standing guard
Term
The goslings are precocial. What does that mean?
Definition
able to walk and swim soon after hatching, although covered with brown fuzzy down
Term
Describe first week
Definition
both parents stay with goslings; goose broods them at night (sits on them to keep them safe and warm)
Term
Describe mating
Definition
Once a gander and goose have mated, they will remain together as long as they are both alive. If one dies, the other will seek another mate
Term
What caused the goose population to drop?
Definition
unregulated hunting years ago
Term
What has helped geese rebuild their numbers?
Definition
Pennsylvania's strict hunting season and bag limits; similar wildlife management techniques have also helped the whitetailed deer, black bear and wild turkey populations
Term
How has the state's agricultural industry helped?
Definition
Unintentionally! Geese have developed a preference for grains and cereal crops found in PA, even though they are known for feeding on aquatic vegetation
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